no spectators for sportsman racers?
 

I am kind of new to this forum and I have been hearing alot about the problems with no spectator turnout at sportsman based races and no spectators wanting to watch bracket racing/.90 racing. This is not something new to me either...hardly anyone turns out at my local track for bracket races and the NHRA divisional spectator turnout is low too.

As a racer, I think it is amazing how close some of this racing is and how unpublisized that is. I mean, people love close finishes in Nascar, football, etc. So why can't we or somebody with the NHRA/IHRA organization really show/express that.

Examples:

why can't the finish line margin be expressed a little better...instead of saying the winner took the finish line stripe by 6 thousandths of a second, some math and software could be devolped to give an accurate reading so the announcer/TV program/magazine can say that the winner got there by 5 inches. I know they use this sometimes but not expressed all the time and I don't know how accurate it is (with acceraltions and decceration at the stripe and all). Plus replays on a big screen...people love replays showing how close it was...it would be nice to have big screens at more events.

just putting some ideas out there...people have probably already heard/talked about this.

Tim Wilson,

Re: no spectators for sportsman racers? ( kinda long re[ly)
 

Tim: racing is a numbers game, plain and simple. The track owners need car cound or spectators to pay so the event works, or even to keep the gates open, the racer needs a decent chance at a payout before most decide to go to a race, and the spectator needs a show.

I have been racing for many years now, and have even helped organize a few events myself. The spectators have become so used to assosiating drag racing with 300+ mph guided missles, that they really dont care to see anything else. More education is needed to show the spectators what real drag racing is all about, but niether sanctioning body is willing to pony up the funds needed to re-educate the fans. It is cheaper for them to just put on a bigger guided missle show.

Pinks all out, seems to be a craze that is educating some of the viewing spectators on how hard it is to not only have a competitive field of cars, but to win even at a 11 second level. Rich and his crew do a great job with advertising, and providing a show for thier fans.

NHRA from what I have seen could care less about the sportsman racers until enough sportsman racers decide enough is enough and stop going to the "National Events" or guided missle shows. Bottom line is without the support of the sportsman racer ,NHRA could not put on the big show, yet we still year after year allow them to treat us like dirt. I dont care what class you race, anymore the costs have way outgrown the purses.

I have heard some drivers say I dont race for the $$$ i do it because I enjoy it. Well I enjoy alot of other things too but you dont see anyone throwing $200K to go golfing a year, or dont see anyone throwing that kind of $$$ to go bowling. My point is this "Sport" cost big money to do, and we all do it in hopes that one day we will win one of these events we all go to. My question is when are the sportsman racers going to have enough balls to let NHRA/IHRA know how they feel? With all the fuel teams loosing sponsors, and this looking like a year where many "PRO" fields will not be full might be a chance for the sportsman racer to stand up and shout... "WHATS IN IT FOR US?....

Re: no spectators for sportsman racers?
 

I hate to say it BUT.....Its NEVER going to happen. To many different personalities and thoughts on the subject. No one will ever stick together and NHRA knows it. Its either quit or use more greese on yer butts.

Re: no spectators for sportsman racers?
 

We go to about 6 National Events a year to race. More some years less some years. We have been doing that for the last 7 years since I retired.
One thing I noticed this last year (2008) was that the NHRA personnel are getting a little more user friendly. The only exception was at INDY this year. The guy parking me was having a bad day I guess and he was very rude and crude. I really think NHRA had instructed the National Event Crews to be a little more user friendly this year. It was a noticeable change from years past in the stacking crew/parking crew and in the registration crew also.
This is not to say they are helpful just better this year than in years past. I really get tired of the NHRA hassles the sportsman gets at the National Events. Maybe I am just getting OLD.
My 2 Cents

Re: no spectators for sportsman racers?
 

There are many more races for sportsman. Only twenty some National events. Yes, we take the back seat. Don't Go! But if you go, enjoy yourself and the experience of having access to the back round view of the Circus. If you want to be the star of the show, build a pro team. Or go to a race that fits your car and accept this, not that many people are interested. The only one that needs to be is you. If your treated that poorly, don't go back, race elsewhere. I wanna be a rock star with a full head of hair, but my dog sings better than me and I am bald. So should I get booked to play a gig and then bitch because everyone goes to get a hot dog? ENJOY YOURSELF, RACE FOR YOU. AND MOVE THE GRAND STANDS TO THE FINISH LINE please.

Re: no spectators for sportsman racers?
 

What Jeff says..

Re: no spectators for sportsman racers?
 

Jeff, I agree with you about EVERYTHING you said. FYI I am also bald and can't sing

"ROCK ON!!"

Re: no spectators for sportsman racers?
 

Dont get me wrong, I love racing more than anything else I do, but it would be nice if NHRA or even IHRA for that matter would up the payout some. When was the last time the payouts were increased?

I stopped racing NHRA for a few years, and ran NMRA National Mustang Racing Association, great group and didnt cost an arm and a leg to run a good heads up class, but, most of thier races are up north and for us at least traveling from Fla. to Chicago, Milan, Atco.. Etc.. all but one race was at least a 10 hour tow. But we had fun and met some great people.

I am comming back to NHRA racing mainly because I want to stay closer to home. And now both my sons ore racing so taking two rigs on a 10 hr tow is definatly out of the question at this point. I am looking forward to meeting alot of the people I have spoken with on here, and like with the NMRA guys, if I am at a race and anyone needs anything, dont hesitate to ask... I love helping others, almost as much as racing.

Re: no spectators for sportsman racers?
 

did we get into racing for spectators to watch us , or for our own enjoyment?

Re: no spectators for sportsman racers?
 

I know the payouts suck. The Pros get most of the money and they will tell you it's not enough. A wise man once said "in order to make a small fortune racing, you had better start with a big fortune". I too wish racing was not so expensive with so little reward, but then everyone might try it. It may be better just to have those of us who are truely driven to race, and those couple of crazy guys. I remember being just as giddy if you will, to race my first super street car as I am to bring out my new top dragster next year, maybe more. I did not have 8500 in my race operation then. Nineteen years later, I have hundreds of thousands sunk into this, my choice and privlage. But the 8500 race team still drinks beer, sees the same races and has every bit as much fun with all you fine folks. So at least in the end, most folks who want to, can race. I hope everyone that wants to can come and watch, dose/can. The only one/two who will ever get rich is NHRA/Force.

When I think about most of the post as of late, it occurs to me that with the rite partners we could start a new sanctioning body. Free tickets for spectators, get them in the gate. Add .50 to everything inside, hot dog, beer, t shirt. Just like Norwalk, hand the racer a cup of coffee in the morning heck he might just come back. Give them a big bowl of ice cream for a buck and a half. Have grand stands from 800 feet to the finish line. Educate the fan! Set up pits and vendors down both early sides of the track. Put box seets behind the strip, if you wanna pay big bucks for burn out shows, let them see how on the edge a fast car goes "not so straight" down the track.

Pinks is huge because it is tight racing with lots of air time, average Joe can say "I was there man" or, "I was in that race dude, no realy". Average Joe will never run a fuel car. Dont forget the hook, a school bus wheel car or jet cars, I would prefere to use some nostalgia cars AA?FA, add a car show. everybody wants a good parking spot! I know it sounds like Super Chevy but a traveling sportsman show like the Jegs races could work with a couple of tweeks. Dreamer, I know.

Re: no spectators for sportsman racers?
 

RIght On Jeff! I agree.

Hey Jeff, still looking for the pager? I'm still waiting.

Cheers, Bill

Re: no spectators for sportsman racers?
 

I think, but am not absolutely certain, that a lot of free tickets were given out for the May VMP div 1 points race this year, and the place was nearly packed like a Nat'l event. Sounds like a good idea to me to get people in the gate. And, like was previously suggested, up the price on food and souvenirs to compensate.

PINKS is big because local people will come out to support something that is 'on TV'. For whatever reason our culture thinks if something is on TV then it must be the cool thing for the day. (shrugs). I don't know how much tickets are for the spectators at one of their events, but it probably isn't more than 15 bucks to get in the gate. A screaming deal for enertainment.

Just think if you had 16 SS/AH cars on Pinks All Out? Arrange PINKS episodes with Christensen for class cars and or .90 cars and use that venue to create interest in the local public for divisional races.

To get people interested in sportsman racing it will take a grass roots advertising/education effort. A traveling road show with people on the payroll to put their cars in high traffic areas (like malls for ex) that can communicate well with others to generate interest. Pay newspapers and other local periodicals to put your product on their pages. Buy radio time.

It's just hard to believe even the most lackadaisical race fan/car enthusiast won't go to a local track for a divisional race that features 270 MPH alcohol cars. The problem isn't with the fans, it is with the promotion of the event.

If all else, follow the NASCAR model. Only 20 years ago NASCAR was smalltime and 'redneck', at least that was the perception by 99% of the public back then. Copy what NASCAR did, and the people will come.

And don't discount the effect of enclosed trailers. Hey, I am all for having nice stuff and security and all that, but let's face it, when people-especially young kids-see race cars on open trailers riding through town it DOES generate interest.

My .02 for what it's worth, for better or worse.

Re: no spectators for sportsman racers?
 

Jeff: so where is your first race???? I am in...

Wishfull thinking would be for the sportsman racers to overthrow the NHRA and use the pro's as fillers...

Re: no spectators for sportsman racers?
 

Wild Bill, I am looking high and low for that pager. It has turning itself into a personnal quest for me. I will call you when I find it.

I agree completely with the NASCAR model. Somehow we have to make sportsman racing appeal to the public. Most of the cars are cars John Q Spectator drives or wants to. Except dragsters, I had a chassis engineering firebird when they came out, painted it Black, I thought I was John Foorce so many people came up to that car.

I hope Jason O gets back from pri SOON, I CANT WRITE THIS MUCH.

Re: no spectators for sportsman racers?
 

Still at PRI Jeff....You're doing great carrying the torch while I've been gone. ;)

Re: no spectators for sportsman racers?
 

One of the things NASCAR did was to get lots of ink in newspapers and they also had a radio delivery of their broadcasts that were available in just about anywhere USA. It probably isn't that difficult to get a sports editor to do a piece with photos in the local mullet wrapper. All it takes is a phone call. Who is willing to do that?

How many racers would volunteer to put their cars on display at places like shopping malls, auto parts stores, etc?

With New Years around the corner how about if everyone makes a resolution to bring a kid to the track a few times or more per year?

It will take organization, that is for sure. Maybe the Sportsman reps within each division can try to work something out with the hosting track to get local exposure which will likely equal more people at the gate. Reps contact a dozen racers to put their cars on display, get interviewed on local radio and newspapers, etc.....

Most of all, when spectators approach you at the track or at an exposure venue you have to be friendly, and patient, take time to explain .90 racing or handicap racing.

Re: no spectators for sportsman racers?
 

Here is a thought. How many spectators come to a race, then some more, then buy a race car. A very large portion of our fans are or become racers. I know I was a fan before I was a racer. Now I suck as a spectator unless its really freakin fast!

Sportsman racing tends to breed more sportsman racers rather than fans. Thats still a good thing.

Where the pro show is once a year shot in most markets and they bring a side show. Make no mistake we the sportsman are a big UNPAID part of that side show. I beleive it is the once a year deal that brings the larger crowds.

Hey Jason, I dont know if you are really at PRI, I was guessing because you have been low on the radar. But if you are there, Calvin said Rocks buying dinner!

Re: no spectators for sportsman racers?
 

I looked for Rock to tell him how much throttle stops suck, but I couldn't find him. I don't really know Calvin...I assume he was at that Hughes booth, but the one time I walked by their booth they were mobbed, so I didn't stop in.

Anyway, I'm home. Now resuming my regularly scheduled book writings...

Re: no spectators for sportsman racers?
 

Jason- Got your message, but I was home already....did a lil 2 much Howlin @ the moon, if u know what I mean :) Flew home @ 1 on sat.

Re: no spectators for sportsman racers?
 

Tim,

Your original question was about getting spectators to watch sportsman racing. I am assuming that you are talking about stock, super stock, and the .90 classes ? Personally, I am 58 years old, have been a drag racing addict of sorts since I was around 15 or so, took my brand new 71 Chevelle to the track when it had less than 1000 miles on it, raced it for 7 years, built an high 10 sec 67 Camaro bracket car and raced it for almost 15 years, but ...... I still cannot stand actually watching bracket racing of any type, including S/SS and especially the .90 classes. I can watch about 5 runs, then its time to go to the snack bar :(

I love Pro Stock, and like both the fuel classes a lot, but watching a bracket race just is not very exciting to me.

I think that the only way you will get more spectators interested is if the classes were made to be heads up racing. Look at what Top Stock did in IHRA ! Now that was some neat racing to watch. Wheels Up stockers running heads up, first to the finish line wins. That is what most spectators understand. Try to explain to a Nascar fan why a Super Gas car leaves the line, then basically shuts down for a second, then comes back to life for the rest of the run. They will look at you like you are crazy and say that is absolutely the stupidest thing I have ever seen !!!!

Just my opinion,

Re: no spectators for sportsman racers?
 

I glad you said that frank I was thinking the same thing. By the way how are you doing? Have a great christmas..........

Re: no spectators for sportsman racers?
 

I guess what I was trying to express in the post was that I wish that the excellant finish line driving and overall close finishes of sportsman racing could be exposed a little better. NASCAR seems to be a good thing to base promotion of sportsman racing off of. It may just be a dream that never happens...but I wish spectators could appreciate the art of racing (reaction times and finish line driving). I myself have to agree that I do not always want to sit there and watch all the sportsman cars go down the track at a divisional or national, but part of that just seemed like the excitment just isn't there.

I did go to the Million Dollar race this year and I saw very little spectators, but I sure was interested when they came down to 16 cars or so and announced how the money was being split. I sure thought it was interesting to know that one round was worth 20grand and watched guys taking .009 to .001 stripe to take the win. I just think it is cool to watch people do some amazing stuff in clutch situations just like any other sport...

Re: no spectators for sportsman racers?
 

whats up Rob ,merry christmas . Im waiting to get my car in the chassis shop for some upgrades.

Re: no spectators for sportsman racers?
 

Cool al said you were chopping the front end off. I just went over my car put new slicks on it and getting ready to go racing in kinston north carolina jan.2nd to jan 5th looking forward to it. They have 2 $5000 to win races on sat and sun. Its a 1/8 mile track. Good luck with the work on your car im sure it will turn out great!!!